See What Makes Renasant Convention Center the Premier Meeting & Event Venue
The fully transformed Renasant Convention Center has debuted in Memphis, Tennessee. The $200M modernization includes a total transformation of the footprint of the building, enabling it to meet the demands of meeting planners and groups for hotel-quality meeting space and give Memphis a competitive edge for attracting more regional meetings and conventions business.
Already Award-Winning
The facility was named to EXHIBITOR Magazine's Annual Centers of Excellence list in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The list honors North America's best convention centers for trade shows and corporate events. Additionally, the venue has earned accolades including:
- Smart Stars Winner: Best Convention Center (Smart Meetings Magazine, 2022)
- Readers' Choice Award for Renasant Convention Center & Memphis Tourism (Convention South, 2022)
- Best Customer Service & On-Site Support (Exhibitor Magazine, 2022)
- Metamorphosis Award: Whole Building (Retrofit Magazine, 2022)
A Newly Reimagined Convention Center
The convention center, formerly known as the Memphis Cook Convention Center, opened along the city’s riverfront in 1974. In 2018, the city announced the decision to embark on a renovation and total transformation of the convention center that would transform the space and feature upgrades that include hotel-quality finishes and amenities throughout.
The center is, for the first time, taking full advantage of its premier location. Modernization upgrades were designed to showcase the convention center’s setting along the iconic Memphis riverfront, offering magnificent views of both the Mississippi River and the city skyline.
The reimagined facility allows delegates to take in those amazing city skyline and river views from new outdoor terraces, glass-enclosed concourses and the floor-to-ceiling windows that let natural light flow in at every level.
Ample Functional and Flexible Meeting Spaces
In addition to reimagining the footprint of the building, a primary focus of the Renasant Convention Center renovation was to provide more flexible meeting, exhibit, and pre-function spaces. One of the center’s key spaces, and one that gives it a distinct advantage with meeting planners and groups, is the 118,000 square-foot column-free exhibit hall, which is the largest in the region and can be sub-divided into three separate spaces.
In addition to 46 flexible meeting and breakout rooms, delegates will also enjoy foyer space with natural light and ample informal seating. Other amenity upgrades include tech updates such as increased bandwidth and numerous convenient charging stations.
Full Safety Protocols for Peace of Mind
During the development phase of the project, the city reacted swiftly to the need for additional safety protocols and procedures resulting from the global pandemic that swept the nation. Memphis’ Renasant Convention Center became a GBAC STARTM-accredited facility in August 2020.
Memorable Experiences in a Boutique, Yet Affordable, Destination
The city’s central location in the U.S. and relatively low cost-per attendee make Memphis both an accessible and affordable destination. Meeting planners have always loved holding meetings in Memphis and now the home of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll on America’s mighty Mississippi River offers even more reasons for groups to host their events in Memphis, Tennessee.
The city’s world-class live music and culinary scene are complemented by a host of leisure amenities and activities that are sure to give attendees an incredible and memorable experience during their time in the city. Downtown Memphis is compact and walkable, with restaurants, hotels, and attractions all within walking distance. The world-renowned Beale Street is just a few blocks away and a must-visit for new and returning travelers alike.
Hotel Development to Further Stimulate Meetings Growth
In addition to the convention center, the ability for Memphis to attract more and larger meetings in the future is supported by the addition of thousands of new hotel rooms in the city, including an enhancement project at the city's existing convention center hotel: Upgrades are planned for the 600-room Sheraton Memphis Downtown that is connected to the center via skywalk.
If you haven’t been to Memphis recently, now is the perfect time to experience this river city on the rise. A modernized venue, thousands of hotel rooms in development, and the authenticity of the Home of Blues, Soul and Rock 'n' Roll make Memphis an ideal meeting destination.
